WILLIAM CRUMLEY, son of James Crumley, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, probably around 1735. He came to Frederick County, Virginia, as a teenager with his family. There he married Hannah Mercer, daughter of Edward and Ann Mercer. In 1757, he acquired from his father 270 acres at the southern end of the Lord Fairfax tract, in what is now Berkeley County, West Virginia. Like his father, he was a member of the Parish vestry, serving in 1759. After Hannah's death around 1773, William married Sarah Dunn, daughter of James and Jane Dunn. It is unlikely that he was active in the Quaker church, because in 1774 after his marriage to Sarah, the Hopewell Friends disowned her for marrying "contrary to discipline."

    William, his brother Henry, and their niece Ruth (Doster) Noland sold 200 acres at the southern end of the Lord Fairfax tract in 1773 to Thomas Faulkner, who had married Jane Dunn, William's mother-in-law. Thomas built a log cabin there in 1775, with a wing added around 1785, that is still standing today.

    In 1781, William was among the Berkeley County citizens who provided supplies for the use of the Revolutionary armies. One certificate (receipt) dated 30 September 1781 indicated that he and three others (including his wife's brother William Dunn and her stepfather Thomas Faulkner) were generously entitled to $225 for just eleven bushels and a peck of wheat. The only record of William actually receiving reimbursement was a 1782 Publick Service Claim, in which he was "allowed $5 for eight days in actual service as a receiver in Collecting the clothing and provisions for the use of the state." This "patriotic service" has qualified at least two of his descendants for membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution.

    His two wives provided him with no fewer than 15 children, who are listed in his will. In it, he wrote, "my will is That my widdow Sarah Crumly shall Rays my children together to give them learning out of the profits that arises from my Estate the boys to read write and cifer The Girls to read and write." William Crumley died between the date his will was filed in Berkeley County, Virginia, 30 September 1792, and the date it was proved, 17 September 1793, age about 58. William's personal property inventory included a variety of crops (wheat, hay, rye, and corn) and livestock (horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs). The total value was nearly $300; the most valuable item was a "Negro wench" appraised at $55. After his widow Sarah died in 1809, sons Thomas and Aaron sold the 270-acre tract as set forth in William"s will. Two years later, each of the children received $479.09.